Panthers at Rangers
The New York Rangers failed to create some breathing room against one team out of playoff position. They'll look for a better showing versus another when they host the league-worst Florida Panthers on Thursday. After posting a 5-1-1 mark in their previous seven games, the Rangers dropped a 4-2 decision to Atlantic Division-rival Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Although even in points with Winnipeg, New York resides in eighth place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of games played. Florida isn't concerned with the standings - and its play of late certainly reflects that. The Panthers fell for the third consecutive time and fourth in five outings with a 5-2 setback to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Florida), MSG (New York)
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (13-23-6): Jacob Markstrom was stellar in the teams' first meeting, turning aside 44 shots in Florida's 3-1 victory at Madison Square Garden on March 21. The young Swede's fortunes have decidedly ventured south as he has lost his last four decisions and six of nine overall. Markstrom has yielded 17 goals in his last four outings while receiving early exits in two of his last three.
ABOUT THE RANGERS (21-17-4): A familiar face joined New York for practice on Wednesday. Injured defenseman Marc Staal was an active participant, more than a month removed from taking a deflected puck to the eye in a game against Philadelphia. Staal admitted that he "couldn't put a time on (his return)," New York also doesn't know if Brian Boyle will be in the lineup. Boyle exited Tuesday's game with an undisclosed injury and did not practice on Wednesday. As a result, the team recalled Chris Kreider from the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League.
OVERTIME
1. New York C Derek Stepan has four goals and five assists in his last eight games.
2. Panthers LW Tomas Fleischmann has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in his last nine contests but just two goals in 18 career games versus the Rangers.
3. The teams will meet again in Florida on Tuesday.